Given the increasing prevalence of gluten sensitivities and celiac disease, and the abundance of products marketed as “gluten-free”, can you definitively answer the question: Is wheat gluten-free? Explain your answer, considering the specific proteins that constitute gluten and whether those proteins are inherently present in wheat. If wheat is not gluten-free, elaborate on why it’s a concern for individuals with gluten-related disorders and mention any specific wheat varieties that might have lower gluten content, along with any associated caveats.

Answer

No, wheat is not gluten-free. Wheat contains gluten, a protein composite made up of gliadin and glutenin molecules.